Australia – a land of convenience

In 1977 plastic bags were introduced to Australia. They came at a time when ‘convenience’ was becoming all the rage. Anything that was instant, quick and ready to go was adopted with confidence and enthusiasm. This soon became an entrenched Australian culture. Now, in the year 2016 we are trying to think up ways to quickly get rid of this ‘convenient’ mess.

In Australia we use five billion plastic bags a year! Of this amount, nearly 150 million bags end up as litter. In Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales plastic bags are not banned. Whilst these states agree to be committed to the cause for banning plastic bags – politics and power seem to be hindering the process.

In the news this week it was announced that several third world countries including Ethiopia, Botswana and Somalia have banned plastic bags. There seems to be a massive difference between Australia and the rest of the world when it comes to managing a ban on plastic bags.

Whilst we wait for such a ban – I suggest you take your own reusable bags with you when you go shopping.